Pandurangadu Story

The film begins with Pundarika Ranganadhudu (Ranga), who from childhood misunderstands the divine acts of Lord Krishna, straying onto a wayward path. As a mischievous youth, he disobeys his parents, rejects marriage, and spends his days in the company of the courtesan Amurtha. Meanwhile, Krishna and his eight consorts, concerned about Ranga’s descent, decide to intervene through a pure-hearted devotee named Lakshmi. Krishna appears in her dream, instructing her to wed Ranga. Though Ranga initially refuses, Amurtha convinces him, and the marriage is performed. However, he neglects Lakshmi, even stealing her ornaments to gift Amurtha. To restore harmony, Krishna assumes Amurtha’s guise and guides Ranga back toward his wife. Spurned, the real Amurtha deceives Ranga, seizing his wealth, and Ranga, enraged, disowns his parents and Lakshmi. In pursuit of greater beauty, he ventures into Kukkuta’s ashram, where he attempts to seize the river goddesses Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. When they flee, he finds Kukkuta reverently serving Ranga’s own parents. In anger, Ranga assaults them, only to lose the use of his limbs. Kukkuta reveals that forgiveness from his parents alone can heal him. Crawling to their feet in repentance, Ranga begs pardon, regains his strength, and transforms into a dutiful son.

In time, Krishna manifests before Ranga while he is absorbed in service to his parents. When the Lord calls, Ranga asks him to wait until his duties are complete — moving Krishna to remain as an idol. Meanwhile, Lakshmi, terminally ill, longs for a glimpse of the Lord. Denied entry by temple priests, she is finally blessed when Ranga, with his heartfelt devotion, opens the sanctum for her. She breathes her last in peace. Grief-stricken, Krishna’s eight wives demand her revival, but Krishna consents only if Ranga himself asks. Burdened by guilt for his sins and realizing the Lord’s presence, Ranga instead seeks to merge with Krishna rather than bring Lakshmi back. The Lord, delighted by his surrender, grants him moksha, uniting him with the divine. The film ends on a spiritual note as Krishna touches down at Pandharpur, Maharashtra, sanctifying the land forever.